
UK sanctions network accused of planning attacks for Iran
UK imposes sanctions on Iranian-linked network accused of plotting attacks.

The Parole Board has determined that Robert Brown, who killed his estranged wife Joanna Simpson in 2010, is not fit for release from prison. He will remain incarcerated until at least 2036 due to concerns about his risk to the public.
Mentioned in this story
The Parole Board has ruled that a former airline captain who was jailed for killing his estranged wife is not fit for release.
Robert Brown killed Joanna Simpson, 46, in Ascot, Berkshire, in October 2010.
He was due to be freed in November 2023 after serving half of his 26-year jail sentence for manslaughter, but his release was blocked by the government.
Following a private hearing, the Parole Board has now ruled that Brown is not fit to be released from prison.
He will remain in custody until 2036, or until the board is satisfied he no longer poses a risk.
Brown, formerly of Winkfield, Berkshire, killed Simpson with a claw hammer at her Ascot home within earshot of their two children, then aged nine and 10, a court previously heard.
He buried her body in a pre-dug grave in Windsor Great Park before confessing to the police the following day.
The former pilot, then aged 47, was found not guilty of murder after a jury was told the couple's bitter divorce proceedings had put him under great stress.
He was sentenced to 24 years for manslaughter and a further two years for an offence of obstructing a coroner.
Joanna Simpson's mother Diana Parkes CBE said: "I am incredibly relieved that the Parole Board has decided not to release Robert Brown.
"We have all lived with the fear that this might not be the case but thank goodness it was unanimously agreed he should not be released.
"My daughter would have been 62 on the 6 May, and, of course, we remember her as the beautiful and vivacious woman she was at 46. That is how I will always remember her."
She went on to praise her grandchildren: "Joanna's children have grown to be the most wonderful young people.
"They have been my salvation over the years and I feel sure I have been theirs. I have every faith that they owe their tenacity and strength to the early years spent with their mother who adored them as indeed I do."
Robert Brown was not released because the Parole Board ruled he is not fit for release due to concerns about his risk to the public.
Robert Brown was sentenced for manslaughter after killing his estranged wife, Joanna Simpson, in October 2010.
Robert Brown was due to be released in November 2023 after serving half of his 26-year sentence.
Robert Brown will remain in custody until at least 2036 or until the Parole Board determines he no longer poses a risk.

UK imposes sanctions on Iranian-linked network accused of plotting attacks.

Philippine senator Ronald Dela Rosa flees to parliament after ICC issues arrest warrant over drug war involvement.

FIFA World Cup fans express disappointment over ticket prices and political tensions.

Trump claims Iran ceasefire is on 'massive life support' amid tensions.

Hundreds of Indigenous families in central Mexico have fled their homes due to violent attacks by the Los Ardillos gang, including drone bombings. The National Indigenous Congress reported that between 800 to 1,000 families were displaced after intense violence last week.

Trump claims Iran ceasefire is on life support, considers military action.
See every story in News — including breaking news and analysis.
Brown dispensed with his legal team before the hearing and chose not to attend.
The panel heard evidence from two psychologists, a psychiatrist, the prison offender manager responsible for supervising him and the community offender manager who would be responsible for supervising him in the community.
None of the witnesses thought that Brown had passed the test for release.
He had not done any risk reduction work through approved programmes and declined to take part in assessments intended to find appropriate risk reduction work for him to do.
The panel said Brown had not been willing to engage except on his own terms, which usually meant not engaging at all.
More than 1,100 written submissions were examined at the hearing.
Carrie Johnson, wife of the former prime minister Boris Johnson has met with the family.
She said: "Today's decision will be a huge relief to Joanna's friends and family.
"Joanna's loved ones have spent years fighting with extraordinary courage and determination to ensure justice is done."
Simpson's friend and domestic violence campaigner Hetti Barkworth-Nanton said: "We now need to ensure that rigorous, risk-based sentencing is applied at all times, and that public protection is a shared responsibility for everyone working with dangerous offenders.
"Every part of the system has a role to play, and when victims, the public, media, politicians and professionals are prepared to listen, challenge and show genuine professional curiosity, we can keep the public safer and save lives."
The panel's decision remains provisional for 21 days from the date on which Brown receives it, to allow time for him to refer his case to the parole board for reconsideration if he so chooses.
If he does not, the decision becomes final.